KL road closures & drone ban for National Day 2026

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will face major road closures and drone restrictions from Aug 26 to Aug 31, 2026, as authorities prepare for Malaysia’s 69th National Day celebrations and flypast.

If you are planning to drive into central Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya this week, expect changes to normal traffic patterns, tighter security and restrictions on drone operations.

Police have announced staged road closures around key celebration areas, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has imposed temporary airspace restrictions linked to the National Day flypast rehearsals and celebration.

For motorists, the message is simple: check your route and the latest restrictions before leaving home.

Key Takeaways

• Putrajaya road closures begin Aug 26, 2026, with further restrictions introduced on Aug 28, Aug 29 and Aug 30–31.

• The largest Putrajaya closure runs from 5am on Aug 30 until 6pm on Aug 31, affecting the Core Island and several major bridges.

• Drone and UAS operations are prohibited during specified National Day airspace restrictions, particularly during flypast rehearsals and the Aug 31 celebration.

• Police expect around 80,000 visitors in Putrajaya and will deploy 2,357 police officers and personnel for traffic and security management.

• Motorists should check traffic conditions immediately before travelling and consider alternative routes or public transport.

Why Are KL and Putrajaya Roads Closing for National Day?

The closures are being introduced to manage rehearsals, security, traffic and large crowds ahead of the 69th National Day celebrations.

Putrajaya will be the main venue for the National Day celebrations, with rehearsals and preparations taking place throughout the final week of August.

According to police, around 80,000 visitors are expected, while 2,357 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Putrajaya to manage security and traffic.

The restrictions are therefore being implemented in stages rather than through one blanket closure.

Aug 26–28: Skeleton Rehearsal

The first major closure begins on Aug 26. Persiaran Perdana will be fully closed between Jalan Kemerdekaan and Lebuh Bestari during the skeleton rehearsal.

This means motorists travelling through central Putrajaya should expect diversions and potentially heavier congestion on surrounding roads.

Aug 28–29: Morning Closures

Additional closures will operate from 6am to noon on Aug 28 and Aug 29.

Affected locations include:

• Dataran Putra

• Persiaran Perdana

• Laman Perdana

• Jalan P2a

• Jalan P2t

• Jalan P2s

• Jalan P2w

• Jalan P2y

These restrictions are particularly relevant to commuters, delivery drivers and motorists travelling through Putrajaya in the morning.

Major Putrajaya Road Closures on Aug 30–31

The most extensive restrictions begin at 5am on Aug 30 and continue until 6pm on Aug 31.

The Core Island area will be affected, including several major bridges used by motorists entering and leaving central Putrajaya.

Motorists should avoid relying on their normal route through the Core Island during this period. Even if your destination is open, the road used to reach it may be restricted.

KL Traffic Controls on National Day Eve

Putrajaya is not the only area expected to experience disruption.

Kuala Lumpur police will also manage traffic around major public gathering locations on Aug 30, including Dataran Merdeka, KLCC and Sunway Velocity.

These locations are expected to attract significant crowds, which can cause congestion even on roads that are not directly closed.

If you need to travel through central KL, consider travelling earlier, using public transport or checking live traffic conditions before starting your journey.

National Day 2026 Drone Ban: What You Need to Know

The National Day drone restriction is one of the most important security measures for visitors, photographers and drone hobbyists to understand.

Police have warned the public against flying drones in Putrajaya during the National Day preparations and celebrations without the required approval.

At the same time, CAAM has announced temporary airspace closures and a prohibition on drone or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations connected to the National Day flypast rehearsals and main event.

This means visitors should not assume that they can legally launch a drone simply because they are outside the immediate parade area.

When Is the National Day Drone Ban in Effect?

CAAM's temporary restrictions cover specific dates and times connected to the National Day flypast.

The published schedule includes:

Drone and UAS operations are prohibited within the affected airspace during these specified periods.

Drone operators should check the latest CAAM notices before every flight because temporary airspace restrictions can change according to operational and safety requirements.

Why Are Drones Banned During the National Day Flypast?

The main reason is aviation and public safety.

Military and other aircraft participating in the National Day flypast operate at relatively low altitudes. An unauthorised drone entering the same airspace could create a collision hazard.

Even a small consumer drone can pose a serious risk to an aircraft when operated in restricted airspace.

The National Day celebrations also involve large crowds, security personnel, roads closures and controlled areas. An unidentified drone can therefore create additional security concerns for authorities managing the event.

Can You Fly a Drone to Film the National Day Parade?

Not unless your operation is properly authorised and complies with the applicable aviation restrictions.

Being a professional photographer, content creator or registered drone owner does not automatically give you permission to fly during a temporary airspace restriction.

This is particularly important for:

• TikTok creators

• YouTubers

• Wedding photographers

• Commercial videographers

• Real-estate photographers

• Drone hobbyists

• Visitors wanting aerial National Day footage

Do not launch a drone simply because you see other people doing it. An unauthorised flight can still breach aviation restrictions even if the drone is only being used for personal photography.

What Happens If You Ignore the Drone Ban?

Unauthorised drone operations can result in enforcement action.

CAAM has warned that drone operations within the affected restricted airspace during the specified periods are prohibited under the applicable aviation rules.

Police have also separately warned the public against unauthorised drone operations during the National Day preparations and celebrations.

For visitors, the safest approach is straightforward: if you are not certain that your drone operation is authorised, do not fly it.

Drone Ban vs Temporary Airspace Closure: What's the Difference?

The police drone warning and CAAM airspace restriction are related but serve different purposes.

The police announcement forms part of the wider security arrangements surrounding the National Day celebrations.

CAAM's notice, meanwhile, establishes specific aviation restrictions associated with the National Day flypast.

For drone owners, both are important.

Checking only the event organiser's announcements is not enough. Drone operators should also check the latest CAAM aviation notices and applicable requirements before conducting any flight.

What Should Drone Owners Do?

Check official aviation information before travelling to the event.

If you are planning professional aerial filming, confirm whether the operation requires authorisation and whether the proposed location and flight time fall within a restricted area.

For ordinary visitors, the easiest solution is to leave the drone at home and use a smartphone or conventional camera from an approved viewing area.

Expert Tip

Do not wait until you arrive in Putrajaya to check the drone rules.

Check CAAM's latest airspace information before your journey and verify whether your planned location and flight time are permitted. Temporary restrictions can apply to specific dates and hours.

National Day Cannon Salutes: What Residents Should Know

Putrajaya residents can also expect ceremonial cannon fire during the National Day rehearsal and celebration.

Police said two rounds will be fired at 8am on Aug 29 during the full rehearsal at Lot 3C1, Precinct 3.

On Aug 31, 14 rounds will be fired at 8am at the same location.

The announcement is intended to prevent residents and visitors from mistaking the ceremonial cannon fire for an emergency.

How Should Motorists Prepare for the Road Closures?

The best strategy is to plan around the closure rather than trying to drive through it.

Check your route before leaving, allow additional travel time and avoid unnecessary journeys into the main event zones during peak periods.

If you are visiting the celebrations, police have also advised members of the public to use available free shuttle bus services where appropriate.

For drivers who must travel, checking live traffic conditions immediately before departure can help identify congestion and incidents that may not have been present earlier in the day.

Old Way vs Motorist App

Motorist App can make pre-drive planning easier by bringing traffic information and vehicle-management tools into one platform.

Motorist App and AutoConcierge are designed around everyday vehicle ownership, allowing motorists to access motoring information and assistance through a single platform.

Common Mistake: Assuming All Closures Start on Aug 31

One of the easiest mistakes is waiting until National Day itself to think about traffic.

The restrictions actually begin from Aug 26, with different roads affected during rehearsals and preparations.

The largest Core Island restrictions then begin at 5am on Aug 30 and continue until 6pm on Aug 31.

If your journey falls between Aug 26 and Aug 31, check the restrictions for your specific date and time.

Conclusion

KL and Putrajaya will experience significant traffic and security controls ahead of Malaysia's 69th National Day, with staged road closures beginning Aug 26 and major restrictions from Aug 30–31. The drone ban and temporary airspace restrictions are equally important, particularly for anyone planning aerial photography or filming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do the KL and Putrajaya road closures start?

The first major Putrajaya closure begins on Aug 26, 2026, during the National Day skeleton rehearsal.

2. When is the biggest Putrajaya road closure?

The largest restriction begins at 5am on Aug 30 and continues until 6pm on Aug 31, affecting the Core Island and several major bridges.

3. Which Putrajaya bridges are affected?

Affected bridges include Jambatan Seri Wawasan, Jambatan Seri Saujana, Jambatan Seri Gemilang, Jambatan Putra and Jambatan Seri Ehsan.

4. Are Kuala Lumpur roads affected too?

Yes. Traffic controls will be implemented around major gathering areas including Dataran Merdeka, KLCC and Sunway Velocity on National Day Eve.

5. Is there a drone ban in Putrajaya for National Day?

Yes. Police have warned against unauthorised drone operations during the National Day preparations and celebrations, while CAAM has imposed specific temporary airspace restrictions.

6. When can drones not be flown during the National Day flypast?

CAAM's published restrictions cover flypast rehearsals on Aug 26–28 from 11am to noon, the full rehearsal on Aug 29 from 8.45am to 9.45am, and the National Day flypast on Aug 31 from 8.45am to 9.45am.

7. Can I use a drone to record the National Day parade?

Not unless the operation is properly authorised and permitted under the applicable aviation requirements and temporary restrictions.

8. Why are drones prohibited during the flypast?

The restriction helps protect aircraft operating during the flypast and reduces risks to people on the ground and the wider event.

9. What happens if I fly a drone illegally?

Unauthorised drone operations within restricted airspace can result in enforcement action under applicable Malaysian aviation regulations.

10. How many visitors are expected in Putrajaya?

Police expect approximately 80,000 visitors for the National Day celebrations.

11. How many police personnel will be deployed?

Around 2,357 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Putrajaya for security and traffic management.

12. When will the National Day cannon salute take place?

Two cannon rounds are scheduled for 8am on Aug 29, while 14 rounds are scheduled for 8am on Aug 31.

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